Microgrid Applications and Technical Challenges-The Brazilian Status of Connection Standards and Operational Procedures

One of the challenges faced by Brazilian distribution utilities to enable the connection and operation of microgrids (MGs) is the absence of a solid set of technical standards in the country. An alternative has been to use and adapt existing standards applied to micro- and mini-distributed generation. In this context, this paper presents an analysis of the development status of norms, standards, and general requirements for the connection and operation of microgrids, as well as a proposal for the regulation and structuring of technical and operational requirements related to the implementation of microgrid projects. Some critical points highlighted in the paper include: the modes of operation, the minimum requirements for the different modes of operation, interoperability of systems, a conceptual model with attribution of responsible actors for the decentralized management of microgrids adapted to the institutional standards of the Brazilian sectorial model, a proposal for a standard connection structure considering the point of connection (PoC) implanted using multifunctional relay and recloser, procedures for technical feasibility assessment (operational studies) of MGs connection, and, finally, a discussion of operational issues of storage systems in a microgrid environment.

Automated summary

One of the challenges in Brazil is the lack of technical standards for microgrid connection and operation. To address this, existing standards for micro- and mini-distributed generation have been adapted. This paper analyzes the development status of norms and standards for microgrid implementation and proposes regulations and requirements for microgrid projects, including operational modes, interoperability, connection structure, and storage system operation.